JACKSON COUNTY, Colo. — A head-on collision on Rabbit Ears Pass resulted in one fatality on Thursday evening, according to Colorado State Patrol (CSP).
At approximately 5:30 p.m., CSP troopers were dispatched to the scene of the crash on Highway 40, east of Steamboat Springs.
Investigators report that a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Nissan Titan collided near milepost 156, close to the turnoff for Highway 14. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation.
The 71-year-old driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene. The 27-year-old driver of the Jeep was transported to a local hospital with injuries, CSP stated.
Highway 40 was fully closed following the incident for the investigation. While one lane has since reopened, traffic remains alternated through the area. The timeline for full road clearance is still undetermined.
CSP's Vehicular Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. Authorities encourage anyone who witnessed the incident to contact CSP dispatch at 970-249-4392 and reference case VC260042.